Hey, amigos! 🌎 Did you know that today is World Wetlands Day? 🎉 It's time we give some love to our planet's unsung heroes: wetlands! 💚
This year's theme is \"It's time for wetland restoration\", and it's all about taking action to bring back these amazing ecosystems we've lost or damaged. Wetlands aren't just swamps or marshes—they're vital environments teeming with life! 🐸🌺
So, what's the big deal with wetlands? According to the United Nations, wetlands are places where water is the boss, shaping the land and supporting unique plants and animals. Think lakes, rivers, underground aquifers, and even coastal areas! 🌊
Here's a mind-blowing fact: even though wetlands cover only 1% of Earth's surface, they store a whopping 20% of the planet's organic ecosystem carbon! 😲 That's from research published in the journal Science. Wetlands like peatlands, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds are carbon-storing superstars, outperforming both marine and forest ecosystems per unit area. Talk about climate heroes! 🌿🔥
In China, there's some inspiring news! 🇨🇳 Shi Jianbin, an associate professor at Beijing Normal University, shared that over the last 20 years, China's mangrove areas have grown from 22,000 to 27,100 hectares. That's a big win for Mother Nature! 🌱 During their 13th Five-Year Plan, they restored 1,500 kilometers of coastline and 30,000 hectares of coastal wetlands. Way to go! 👏
Over the past decade, the Chinese government rolled out plans like the Programme for a Wetland Protection and Restoration System and the National Wetland Protection Plan (2022-2030). These initiatives focus on bringing back wetlands in areas where they're seriously degraded, like the lower reaches of the Yellow River and coastal areas of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. 🌊
They've also launched special action plans, such as the Special Action Plan for Mangrove Protection and Restoration (2020-2025). This plan aims to plant 9,050 hectares of new mangroves and restore 9,750 hectares of degraded ones by 2025. Plus, they're tackling invasive species with the Special Action Plan for Spartina Alterniflora Control (2022-2025), aiming for a 90% removal rate nationwide. 💪
But why does this matter to us? 🤔 Wetland biodiversity is crucial for human health, food security, tourism, and jobs. They're home to countless species and help protect us from climate change. So let's join hands and protect our wetlands! 🌍❤️
Want to make a difference? Start by spreading the word! Share this post, organize a local clean-up, or learn more about wetlands in your area. Every little action counts! 🙌
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
